HC Deb 16 December 1919 vol 123 c234
67. Mr. JAMES GARDINER

asked the Secretary for Scotland what steps, if any, are being taken to house the tinkers, and educate and otherwise improve their children?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)

As regards housing, the Scottish Board of Health, with the approval of the Secretary for Scotland and in co-operation with the local authorities concerned, have formulated a scheme for the utilisation of Army huts for housing tinkers in Caithness. A similar scheme for Perthshire is now under consideration. As regards education and improvement of tinker children, I have no reason to think that education authorities are failing to exercise their powers under the Education (Scotland) Acts and the Children Act.

Lieut.-Colonel W. GUINNESS

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is a "tinker"?

Mr. DEVLIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a"tinker"is a member of the Irish Government?